For the first two years of your child’s life, it may feel like your entire day revolves around their sleep schedule. Knowing when your baby is tired will help everyone get the sleep they need. Here are some tips for spotting sleepiness.
How much sleep does my baby need?
Sleep needs vary by your baby’s age. Infants from 4 to 12 months of age require on average 12 to 16 hours of sleep per day, including naps. For toddlers aged one to two years, the recommended amount is 11 to 14 hours per day.
The timeline for when a child can start sleeping through the night varies for each child. Some may begin to sleep through the night as early as three months old, while others may take up to a year.
Knowing when your baby is tired
Sleep cues are a sign that your baby is tired and ready to take a nap. Every baby will have their unique cues and timing.
Newborn sleep cues
- Big yawns
- Closing fists
- Ear pulling
- Jerky arm and leg movement
- Slow sucking
Toddler sleep cues
- Being less engaged
- Clinginess
- Demanding attention
- Losing interest in playing and activities
It's important to be attentive to your baby's sleep cues to prevent them from getting overtired, as this can make it more difficult for them to fall asleep. Overtiredness happens when a baby is awake for too long or they are overstimulated. Signs of overtiredness include:
- Arching the back.
- Becoming rigid.
- Loud crying with coughing.
- Overly fussy.
If your baby becomes overtired, use a calm and gentle tone while soothing them with rocking and rubbing to help them fall asleep easier.
